Milbrandt Vineyards 2012 Traditions Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $13: Like the Seahawks’ receiving corps, this Chardonnay plays above its pay grade and delivers in the clutch with aromas of clarified butter and artichoke hearts and flavors of lemon yogurt and baked pear. Enjoy with oysters, salmon or baked chicken.

Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2012 Estate Viognier, Walla Walla Valley, $22: Just like a certain football team, this stunning white found victory last month against some of the best in California at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Notes of melon, white peach, apple and honey deliver in the end. Beautiful with halibut topped with mango salsa.

Swiftwater Cellars 2012 No. 9 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $18: This upscale winery at Suncadia has found its franchise quarterback in California escapee Linda Trotta, who scores with this gorgeous dry Riesling that is loaded with aromas and flavors of pineapple, pear and apple. Try with curries.

Barnard Griffin Winery 2012 Fume Blanc, Columbia Valley, $9: The acidity on this Sauvignon Blanc is sleeker than Percy Harvin on a kickoff return, and it’s backed with amazing tropical fruit, lime and lavender aromas and flavors. Enjoy this with seared scallops.

Northwest Cellars 2010 Intrigue, Yakima Valley, $28: Seattle-area vintner Bob Delf made a name for his winery with a best-selling 12th Man label during the Hawks’ playoff run, and this blend that leads with Cabernet Sauvignon delivers bold satisfaction for fans. A gourmet pizza works beautifully with this.

Columbia Crest 2011 H3 Les Chevaux Red Blend, Horse Heaven Hills, $15: Scrambling for a delicious wine for any night of the week? This blend of Syrah and Merlot is smooth and pretty with notes of plum, cherry and chocolate. This is a great wine to pair with meatloaf.

Share your comments: Log in using your HeraldNet account or your Facebook, Twitter or Disqus profile. Comments that violate the rules are subject to removal. Please see our terms of use. Please note that you must verify your email address for your comments to appear.